Gas shortage causing little effect locally
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on September 19, 2016 1:57 PM
News-Argus/JOEY PITCHFORD
Though there are some gas stations that have run out of fuel, such as the Circle K on 2007 Wayne Memorial Drive, the gasoline shortage is expected to be short-lived.
In Wayne County, some gas stations have run out of gas, placed restrictions on certain grades of gasoline and limited the amount that customers are able to purchase, but for the most part, the gas shortage due to a gas line leak in Alabama has had little effect locally.
Emergency personnel are not having any problems with the shortage.
"We have not had any problems at this time getting fuel for our patrol cars," Sheriff Larry Pierce said. "You might go by a station and it be out of fuel, but if you go back by later it will have fuel. We have had no problems.
"We have an emergency contingency plan signed with the fuel contractor. We will have priority for emergency vehicle fuel. From what I am getting I do not think it will be a major problem. It might be sporadic."
Colonial Pipeline Inc. operators are working to repair the pipeline, and gasoline, diesel and jet fuel are expected to be pumping from Texas and Louisiana refineries to the southeastern states by the end of the week, according to a press release from the American Automobile Association.
According to a press release from Gov. Pat McCrory's office, state officials have been working closely with Colonial Pipeline to "monitor and quickly replenish fuel supplies."
The Colonial Pipeline disruption could contribute to the availability of supply and North Carolina and South Carolina may see higher prices until normal shipments resume.
The AAA Carolinas reports that there are slightly higher prices across the state, with prices averaging in the county around $2.07 per gallon.
"We want to remind motorists that this issue is temporary and to continue normal habits at the pump," said AAA Carolinas Public Relations Manager Tiffany Wright. "AAA Carolinas continues to give members peace of mind during this time, and our roadside service will not be affected by this supply issue."
North Carolina's average price of gasoline is currently $2.16, up slightly from last week's average of $2.05. South Carolina motorists are seeing an average price of $2.04, up from last week's average of $1.91. Despite the recent increases, both of the Carolinas are still seeing gas prices under the national average of $2.20.
On Friday, McCrory issued an executive order that waives additional trucking restrictions and protects consumers from price gouging at the fuel pumps.